While mountain climbing doesn’t get the recognition that it deserves, it is without a doubt one of the most exciting and entertaining activities that one can partake in. This is especially true during those colder months when the trails are littered with snow. You can climb mountains any time of the year and it is usually colder at the top, but when the snow is out, it brings a kind of special feeling to the environment that you won’t get from any other outdoor sport. All that aside, when most people think about mountain climbing they don’t think about black individuals. And, this is because it is mostly white people that are known for activity. Well, this isn’t entirely the case at all, and below you are going to learn about some of the best black mountain climbers that you could be following on Instagram.
Melissa Edwards
This list will start with Melissa Edwards. She is a powerful voice on Instagram for women of color. When she isn’t out there tackling the mountains she is tackling the tough issues like bullying or the erasure of dark-skinned women in outdoor advertising. Her voice really is a constant reminder that it only takes a simple word or action to make a major difference in the world. She sees mountain climbing not only as a retreat from societal issues but as an activity that can leverage privilege for good and give back to underserved communities. Be sure to check her out.
Favia Dubyk
You want to meet a powerful black lady that has truly been through the thick of it with a lot of important and powerful things to say? Then get on Instagram and check out Favia Dubyk. It is likely that you might recognize her name. If you do then it is probably from her stint on American Ninja Warrior. She a cancer survivor with a passion for technical climbing. She’ll tackle anything from crags to bouldering roofs. She currently lives in Mexico with her partner Hans. You won’t be disappointed by her profile. She has shots from her time on the hit show and all of her adventures from the Southwestern United States. She is also a doctor, which means that she gives back every day and embodies what it means to live life to the fullest.
Kareemah Batts
Ever heard of a little group called Adaptive Climbing Group? If so, you might not know that it was Kareemah who founded the group. She not only founded this amazing and influential group, but she’s helped transform the way that the entire industry approaches climbers with disabilities. She is constantly hosting weekly meetups and consistent community meetings for anyone interested in the group’s stance. Her Adaptive Climbing Group is also known to sponsor adaptive climbers when they want to compete nationally and internationally. She is also a cancer survivor and full proof that anyone with any kind of diversity can still tackle the outdoor life. She is incredibly vocal and always taking the necessary time to show support for disabled athletes, advocates, and organizations.
Sophia Danenberg
When you check out Sophia’s Instagram account, you won’t see many climbing photos, as she is someone that likes to keep a low profile. In fact, she keeps such a low profile that most people don’t even know that she was the first African American to scale Everest back in 2006. And, when she did, she did it with Slope Mountain Gear. Slope Gear is gear that was specifically made for the rugged mountain life. It’ll stand up to any test the harsh environment can throw at it. All that aside, Sophia was completely unsponsored when she decided to summit the mountain. It was actually a spur of the moment kind of action that got her out there in the first place. Be sure to check out her profile. Even though she keeps a low profile, she certainly isn’t afraid to express her thoughts and feelings about being a black woman climber in a predominantly male sport.
Grace Anderson
Grace Anderson is already well-known amongst the climbing and outdoor community. She is a former student of the famed National Outdoors Leadership School of Diversity and Inclusion Fellow. It was her childhood in the Shenandoah Valley that helped develop her love for the outdoors. From this point, she had been in the industry nonstop. Shes worked all over the Outdoor Industry including the Sierra Club, Girl Ventures in the Bay Area, and the NOLS. It was her time with the NOLS where she helped organize the Expedition Denali, which was the first-ever all African American team that climbed the Denali. Grace is more than quick to help organize and bring together young people of color from all across the country, but she is just as quick to address environmental issues impacting communities of color so be sure to check her out and here what she’s got to say.